Lace up and say ‘boo’ to cancer

The annual Gift of Life’s Julie Richardson Procter 5K Ribbon Run Monster Dash will transform downtown Beaumont into a Halloween bash Saturday, Oct. 28, from 8 a.m. until noon. Put on your costumes and grab your treat bags to help celebrate cancer survivors while raising funds to support the nonprofit’s mission of breast and ovarian cancer initiatives.

Generously underwritten by Presenting Sponsors Robin Dauphin, Optimus Steel, Provost Umphrey Law Firm and Quality Mat Company and Title Sponsors H-E-B and Jason’s Deli, this spooktacular event will feature a Celebration of Hope Ceremony at 8 a.m. with vocalist Christina Wells, a semifinalist of “America’s Got Talent” along with the 5K Trick or Treat Route, costume contest, candy galore and many more fun activities for all. Additionally, the Wizard of Wellness Village will offer enchanting booths filled with spellbinding goodies and information.

The occasion also provides an opportunity for Gift of Life to applaud six “Angels Among Us Honorees.” These exceptional women will be commended for their outstanding community service in Southeast Texas – Gina Crenshaw, owner of For Heaven’s Sake; Allison Nathan Getz, Jefferson County Tax Assessor-Collector; Gerri Giglio, Director of Todd Christopher Legacy of Love; Claire Broussard Jackson, Motiva Manager of Social Responsibility and Community Affairs; Vernice Monroe, President of Mental Health America of Southeast Texas; and Cathy Zummo, community advocate.

The Ribbon Run, named for Procter, a beloved Gift of Life board member and local attorney who passed away from ovarian cancer in 2011 at the young age of 51, raises funds for Gift of Life’s women’s health program, which has heightened awareness and provided information to thousands of Southeast Texans about ovarian and breast cancer, in addition to having helped extend the lives of 275 women (throughout seven Southeast Texas counties) who were diagnosed with breast cancer through the program’s free preventative screenings and diagnostic tests and navigated through treatment and healing.

Special appreciation to the Young Men’s Business League (YMBL) for adopting the Ribbon Run as the group’s community project along with Gift of Life’s October Pink & Teal Ribbon Campaign when the men install 8-ft ribbons throughout Southeast Texas. These extraordinary volunteers play an integral role in the orchestration of the Ribbon Run and annually contribute funds to the organization’s free breast health medical services.

Ribbon Run registration is now open at golribbonrun.org. Participants can register for $35 and begin fundraising for the organization. Breast, ovarian and gynecological cancer survivors are free, as well as children 6 years old and younger.

“Thank you for supporting the 5K Ribbon Run,” said 2023 Ribbon Run Sponsorship Chair Roni Stephenson Gillespie. “If you or someone you love has been impacted by cancer, here is a great opportunity to make a difference. Please consider sponsoring this exciting, lifesaving event! With your support, local women who rely on Gift of Life’s services can get the help they need.”

For event information, sponsorship opportunities or to register, please call Gift of Life at (409) 833-3663 or visit golribbonrun.org.